Horsley to Shoreham-by-Sea. A Cycling Adventure to the Coast
Sat, Oct 24, 5:30 AMFrom UK Cycling Adventures: London & Beyond
**From the Surrey countryside to the Sussex coast, by bicycle.**
**Saturday 24 October 2026**
- 41 miles / 66 km · 1,525 ft / 465 m climbing.
- Gravel and mountain bikes only.
- £60 per person.
- Maximum six riders
Join us for a day travelling by bicycle from Horsley to Shoreham-by-Sea, through woodland, countryside and along former railway trails towards the coast.
We will leave London by train, start riding in Surrey and spend the day making our way south. There will be climbs, gravel, perhaps a little mud, stops for food, photographs and time to enjoy the places we pass through.
Then, after a day on the trails, we will arrive in Shoreham-by-Sea with the coast ahead of us and nearly 66 km behind us.
**The plan**
- Meet at London Waterloo station at 6:30 am, on the main concourse by the departure boards.
- Take the 6:57 train to Horsley. Final train times and platform information will be shared before the event.
- Briefing and bike checks at Horsley before setting off.
- Ride to Shoreham-by-Sea, stopping for food, refreshments and photographs along the way.
- Finish during the late afternoon and take the train home.
Please arrive ready to travel, with your ticket purchased and your bicycle prepared.
**The route**
The route planner estimates just over four hours of cycling at an average moving speed of 10 mph. Allow a full day for the adventure, including our train journey, food stops, photographs, regrouping and any slower sections.
From Horsley, we will head south through the Surrey countryside before joining the Downs Link towards Shoreham-by-Sea.
The earlier part of the ride contains most of the climbing. Further south, the profile becomes gentler as we continue towards the coast.
Approximately 69% of the route is classified as unpaved or compacted gravel. Expect a mixture of paths, woodland trails, narrower sections and connecting roads.
October may bring mud, wet leaves, puddles and slippery surfaces. These conditions can make the ride more demanding than the distance and elevation figures suggest.
The actual route is estimated at just over four hours of moving time. However our day will be longer once we include breaks, regrouping and any slower sections.
The final GPX and essential rider information will be shared before the event.
**Is this ride for you?**
You should be comfortable cycling for several hours and have experience riding on gravel and uneven terrain.
We will maintain a steady, social pace, regroup regularly and make time for stops. You should have the fitness to complete nearly 66 km on mixed surfaces.
Ride within your ability. Nobody needs to ride a section they feel uncomfortable with. Getting off and walking is always welcome.
We will share the trails considerately, slowing down and giving way to walkers and horse riders.
**Suitable bicycles**
This adventure is for gravel bikes and mountain bikes only.
Tyres at least 40 mm wide are recommended, with tread appropriate for potentially wet and muddy trails. Your bicycle must be well maintained and ready for a full day outdoors.
Road bikes are not suitable.
In keeping with UK Cycling Adventures, this ride is for conventional, non-electric bicycles.
**What to bring**
- Helmet and working front and rear lights.
- Two spare inner tubes, tyre levers, pump and puncture repair kit.
- Multitool and a chain quick link compatible with your drivetrain.
- Waterproofs and warm layers suitable for the forecast.
- Water, snacks and enough food for the stretches between stops.
- A charged mobile phone.
- Cash or a payment card for trains, food and emergencies.
Please use equipment you have already tested on a longer ride.
**Food and trains**
We will stop for refreshments along the way. Please carry snacks and water rather than relying entirely on cafés being open.
Outward and return train tickets, food and drinks are at your own expense.
Bicycle space on trains is limited and travelling together on the same service cannot be guaranteed. Travel guidance will be shared before the event.
**Support and self-sufficiency**
We will help one another with punctures and manageable mechanical problems. Each rider remains responsible for their bicycle, equipment, food, water and journey home.
If you cannot continue, we will help you consider practical options where reasonably possible. You must be prepared to arrange and pay for your own onward travel.
**Weather and cancellation**
This is an outdoor adventure and normal British weather is part of the experience.
Rain alone does not necessarily mean cancellation. However, if conditions are sufficiently poor that we consider the ride unsafe or unreasonable to run, the adventure will be cancelled and your £60 will be refunded.
You may cancel up to 48 hours before the scheduled start and receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
If UK Cycling Adventures cancels the event, your £60 will be refunded in full.
**Six riders only**
This adventure is limited to six riders. A small group allows us to ride socially, keep track of one another, deal with problems more easily and actually experience the journey together.
**What does the £60 include?**
Your place includes:
- A carefully researched and planned route.
- A GPX file to follow on your own navigation device.
- Weather and transport checks before departure.
- A rider briefing covering the route and practical arrangements.
- Small-group ride leadership and reasonable assistance throughout the day.
The adventure is limited to six riders, allowing us to travel together, regroup regularly and give everyone more individual attention.
Outward and return train tickets, food and drinks are not included.
**Horsley to Shoreham-by-Sea.**
An early train, a day exploring and a destination by the sea.
Join us for the journey. 😃🚴
